FROM THE PUBLISHER

Jim Qwilleran with his two cats, Yum Yum and KoKo help to solve the mystery case behind the Casablanca apartment buildings.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

With this 11th entry, the popular Cat Who series ( The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts ) begins to flag, its charms growing tatty and listless for even the most steadfast cat-and-mystery lovers. Ex-newspaperman James ``Qwill'' Qwilleran and his Siamese Koko and Yum Yum leave Moose County for the big city Down Below to help old friends save the Casablanca, an aging and elegant apartment building threatened with demolition to make way for profitable development. Qwill decides to spend the winter in the Casablanca to determine if it might make a project for the philanthropic Klingenschoen Fund, which he controls. Ensconced in a 14th-floor penthouse, he discovers that its previous tenant, Dianne Bessinger, head of the group trying to save the building, was an art dealer ostensibly murdered by a jealous protegeok . Qwill also plays Scrabble with the building's owner, the eccentric and reclusive Countess; he teaches the game to Koko, who thereby provides him with clues in his investigation of the murder, which he suspects is tied to attempts against the Casablanca. Braun's latest pleases with its descriptions of gentrification and development, but the book ends abruptly, leaving too many loose ends, and central characters Koko and Yum Yum develop no further at all. (Aug.)

Library Journal

The latest addition to the clever kitties series ( The Cat Who Talked to Ghosts, The Cat Who Knew Shakespeare, LJ 7/88) commences with the terrible news that beloved Pickax City column writer James Qwilleran has met his death in a horrible forced car wreck ``Down Under.'' Needless to say, the series cannot continue without him, so a two-week flashback explains Qwilleran's (and Koko the cat's) involvement in renovating a decrepit-but-once-chic apartment building, his pursuit of information about a murder/suicide in the penthouse, and his car wreck. Full of colorful, eccentric characters, small-town attitudes, and sprightly fun for cat enthusiasts, this should appeal to most mystery readers.

School Library Journal

YA-- They're back--the noble Koko, the charmer YumYum--and their wealthy retired owner, Quill. Here, the benevolent benefactor of Moose County packs the Purple Plum--his small, energy-efficient car--with the two inquisitive and endearing Siamese and leaves his cozy home for the winter. This newest addition to the series is a delight that will enchant long-time followers of the irresistible trio as well as first-time readers.